Truckers Battle Brutal Winds on Utah's I-80

High winds cause multiple semi-trucks to tip over in Tooele County

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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Truck drivers traveling along Interstate 80 in Utah's Tooele County faced dangerous conditions on Monday night and Tuesday morning as high winds, reaching up to 80 mph, swept across the barren desert landscape. Two semi-trucks were reported to have tipped over due to the strong gusts, prompting authorities to put restrictions in place to prevent further incidents. Experienced drivers described the conditions as "hanging on to a bucking bronco" and said it was crucial to slow down and be prepared for the treacherous weather.

Why it matters

Interstate 80 through western Utah is known for its hazardous driving conditions, especially when strong winds blow across the open desert. This latest incident highlights the risks truck drivers face on this stretch of highway and the importance of safety precautions during severe weather events.

The details

According to the Utah Highway Patrol, the high winds on Monday night and Tuesday morning caused two semi-trucks to tip over in Tooele County. Authorities responded by implementing restrictions to prevent other trucks from facing the same fate. Veteran drivers like Will Bland and Jose Partida described the conditions as extremely challenging, with the wind causing their vehicles to sway back and forth like "a bucking bronco." To stay safe, the truckers said they had to slow down significantly and be prepared for the unpredictable gusts.

  • On Monday night and Tuesday morning, high winds reached speeds of up to 80 mph in Tooele County.
  • Two semi-trucks tipped over due to the strong winds overnight.

The players

Will Bland

An experienced truck driver who travels around 12,000 miles per month and knows when to pull off the road if the winds are too strong.

Jose Partida

A truck driver who has experienced the challenges of navigating I-80 in high winds, describing the vehicles swaying from side to side.

Sgt. Jared Green

A Utah Highway Patrol officer who explained the dangerous conditions on the highway during the wind advisory.

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What they’re saying

“Out here is one of the worst places in the country, it really is.”

— Will Bland, Truck Driver

“Very dangerous because you can hit another truck or another car.”

— Jose Partida, Truck Driver

“We had high winds, it was between 60, 70 and maybe even 80 mph to the area.”

— Sgt. Jared Green, Utah Highway Patrol

“It's like being on a ship on the ocean, you sway. You've got to slow down and be prepared for the conditions.”

— Will Bland, Truck Driver

“Moving from one side to the other side when the truck is very light, it's easy to get off the freeway.”

— Jose Partida, Truck Driver

What’s next

Authorities will continue to monitor the weather conditions and enforce any necessary restrictions on Interstate 80 to ensure the safety of truck drivers and other motorists.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the hazardous driving conditions that truck drivers face on Interstate 80 in Utah, particularly during severe weather events. It serves as a reminder of the importance of safety precautions, slow speeds, and being prepared for unpredictable wind gusts when navigating this stretch of highway.